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Washington Evening Journal
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First responders show up to celebrate Independence Day
Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Mt. Pleasant Police Department, Mt. Pleasant Fire Department, and other first responding entities pop up throughout the Fourth of July
MT. PLEASANT — From parades to Meet Your Local Heroes, first responders received recognition and showed appreciation for one another and their communities throughout Henry County this Independence Day.
Beginning early July 4 at 7:30 a.m. members of the Henry County Sheriff’s Office and Mt. Pleasant Police Department participated in the third annual Donnellson Tunnel to Towers Run and Walk. According to the Donnellson Tunnel to Towers organizers, this run brings “together the community to honor fist responders, remember 9/11, and raise funds for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s programs.”
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation specifically honors the life and death of New York City firefighter Stephen Siller. Siller died Sept. 11, 2001 after donning his gear and running through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the twin towers.
Money donated to the Foundation goes toward multiple programs for veterans, first responders, and their families. Some of these programs include the Smart Home Program, the Fallen First Responder Home Program, and the Tunnel to Tower 9/11 Institute.
With the goal of honoring the memories of other first responders and raising funds for programs benefiting those in the field in need, MPPD and HCSO employees put their feet to the pavement despite a raining morning.
While showers that morning had event organizers for the Mt. Pleasant Fourth of July celebrations questioning if they could still host a parade and the Meet Your Local Heroes events, by noon they made the decision to go ahead with nearly all Independence Day activities at McMillan Park.
With ominous rain clouds departing to make way for blue skies and sunshine, the Mt. Pleasant Fourth of July celebrations kicked off with a visit from the Medforce Helicopter landing at 4 p.m. Many young people and adults enjoyed getting an up close and personal look at the helicopter before these first responders had to depart ahead of schedule. Local firefighter speculated that they left due to a call for service.
First responders continued to take center stage as they led the charge for the Fourth of July Parade with lights blazing only a short time later before setting up shop in the park for the Meet Your Local Heroes event.
Henry County Emergency Medical Services opened their rig for the public to explore during this event. Additionally, they set up their chest compression device which assists in maintaining chest compression while emergency personnel care for a patient.
Henry County EMS also used the opportunity to share information about the upcoming vote at a special election on Sept. 10 to approve a tax levy for HCEMS programming.
According to HCEMS, “A ‘YES’ vote on Sept. 10 means that EMS will stay in Henry County, continuing to serve the emergency health care needs of area residents. If the vote passes, the current $0.27 hospital ambulance levy will go away. A new county ambulance tax levy of $0.75 will be implemented instead, which is a $0.48 increase over the current hospital ambulance levy rate. A ‘NO’ vote on Sept. 10 means that future sustainability of EMS in Henry County is at risk.”
Mt. Pleasant Fire Department showed off their new ladder truck during the Meet Your Local Heroes time at McMillan Park. In true patriotic spirit, MPFD hung a large American flag to billow in the wind against a bright blue sky as they visited with community members.
Some additional first responders at the event included members of the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Mt. Pleasant Police Department, and the Iowa State Patrol. The organizations offered friendly smiles, pleasant conversation, and many stickers throughout the evening.
Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com
